The New England Regional Council of Carpenters (NERCC) launched a women’s committee in 1998. That group, now named the “Sisters in the Brotherhood” has expanded throughout the U.S. and Canada, and the Boston group is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. The Carpenters in Western Mass. started a Sisters in the Brotherhood group two years ago. In CT, after not meeting for a few years, the local group is re-launching with their first meeting this month.
Sisters in the Brotherhood committees work to build a stronger Carpenters Union by increasing the numbers and diversity of women in their membership. At their monthly meetings, they plan outreach events and community service projects. They work on leadership skills and providing support and problem-solving for members. They identify solutions and propose them to decision makers. For example, they had identified some shortcomings in what their health care provided female members, and wrote a letter to the health fund trustees. The trustees found the requests workable, and made the changes.
They’ve volunteered at Rebuilding Together Boston for the last 7 years, and do other community service projects. They speak at area high schools about opportunities in the trades for both young women and young men, and explain how apprenticeship and the union works. They also serve on vocational advisory boards. Members also attend tradeswomen conferences like the upcoming one in August, hosted by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, their international union that covers the U.S. and Canada. At these conferences, members learn skills in leadership, recruiting and organizing.
They are also very active in politics, phone banking, and with boots on the ground, knocking on doors for candidates who support workers. Last year 60 women did 600 union actions! We’re proud that we’ve been a group of civically active members for 20 years, and are please to introduce a few of our members here.
To learn more about the NERCC women’s committee: www.nercc.org/sib
To learn more about the international Sisters in the Brotherhood www.carpenters.org/sib